bipolar disorder

American  

noun

Psychiatry.

• bipolar disorders
  plural

1. an affective disorder characterized by periods of mania alternating with periods of depression, usually interspersed with relatively long intervals of normal mood.

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bipolar disorder British  

noun

1. a mental health problem characterized by an alternation between extreme euphoria and deep depression

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bipolar disorder Scientific  

1. Any of several mood disorders usually characterized by periods of depression that alternate with mania.

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bipolar disorder Cultural  

1. Also known as manic-depressive illness. This psychiatric disorder is marked by periods of euphoric (manic) highs often followed by periods of depression.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• bipolar disorders
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bipolar disorder

In January, he took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal attributing his past behaviour to his bipolar disorder.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

She urged women who’ve dealt with issues like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder to make preconception and pregnancy appointments with care providers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

She added that while women with a history of bipolar disorder are more susceptible to postpartum psychosis, it can happen to anyone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

If a GP thinks you may have bipolar disorder, they will refer you to a mental health specialist.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Later on, lithium would revolutionize the treatment of bipolar disorder, but the drug would not be licensed in the United States until 1970.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield